New Details Emerge in Hayden Panettiere’s Death: Boyfriend Attempted Life-Saving Measures

As investigations continue into the untimely death of actress Hayden Panettiere, fresh details have surfaced regarding her final moments. Zach Hickerson, the brother of the actress’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, has broken his silence, offering a firsthand account of the emergency response at an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina.

In a recent interview, Zach Hickerson clarified the events of the day, stating he arrived at the rental property after being unable to reach either his brother or the actress to coordinate lunch plans. Upon arriving and knocking loudly on the door, Zach noted that his brother Brian was awakened from a nap. It was then that they discovered the actress was unresponsive on a pull-out couch in the living room.

Emergency Response and Medical Intervention

According to Zach, he immediately contacted emergency services. While waiting for first responders, he claims that Brian administered Narcan—a medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose—and the two brothers jointly performed CPR while on a speakerphone call with 911 operators.

“Brian gave her Narcan,” Zach told TMZ, adding that they remained by her side until Fire and EMS personnel arrived to take over. He emphasized that everyone present “tried every measure possible” to save the 35-year-old actress.

A Call for Respect Amid Speculation

Zach expressed his deep sorrow, describing the actress as a dear friend of eight years. He addressed the "lot of assumptions, speculations and accusations" currently circulating online, urging the public to allow the investigation to run its course. “Her loved ones and fans deserve the truth,” he stated, while asking for an end to the sensationalism surrounding the tragedy.

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that there were no signs of trauma or foul play on the actress’s body. The official cause and manner of death remain pending as the investigation continues, with reports indicating that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has joined local authorities in the inquiry.

Background on the Relationship

Brian Hickerson and Hayden Panettiere had been in an on-and-off relationship since 2018. Their history was marked by documented turbulence; Hickerson previously faced multiple felony charges related to domestic abuse against the actress, to which he pleaded no contest. Panettiere had also publicly addressed the abuse she endured during their relationship in her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning.

Despite their complex past, neither brother has been named a suspect or person of interest in the current investigation. Attorney Sloan Ellis, representing Brian Hickerson, released a brief statement confirming the ongoing cooperation with authorities and requesting privacy for the grieving family.

As the investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s death continues, officials maintain that no further comments will be made until the official findings are released.